I'm just getting back into fly fishing after a long hiatus, and it's been well over 20 years since I tied a fly. I'm planning to try fishing Fort Desoto tomorrow (Tampa Bay), so I figured tying up a few large saltwater flies would be an easier way back in than squinting at a size 22 trout gnat.

I still had my vice and tools, but I needed to refresh my materials stash, and my head cement had long since solidified. First stop, though, was WalMart to pick up eyeglasses (magnifiers) since I no longer see well enough to thread a bobbin, much less tie in a hackle. Next was a trip to the fly shop in Winter Haven for hooks and cement and a few odds and ends, then the local craft shop (which sells feathers, craft fur, tinsel, floss, etc., for half what a fly shop charges).

Got home, set up my vice and a strong light in the den, flipped on the TV and tuned in Buccaneers & Bones, and started spinning thread.

I'm interested to see how well the shrimp will work. I'd never used bead chain eyes before. Years ago, I used to make eye stalks by melting the tip of a piece of mono line; maybe I'll try that next time.

Anyway, it was fun to whip up a few flies again. It'll be even more fun if I can get a fish or two with them.

enolaeagle

06-15-2013 09:08 PM

Re: Two decades later,...

Good stuff. Hope ya hook one!

jaybo41

06-15-2013 09:19 PM

Re: Two decades later,...

Welcome back. Those are really nice looking flies, I hope they put you on some fish:thumbsup: It must be like riding a bike I guess because those look like solid ties to me.. Next time you need head cement and don't need to go to a fly shop, give Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails a try. You can get that at Wally World or your local drug store.

half fast

06-15-2013 10:16 PM

Re: Two decades later,...

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaybo41
(Post 564629)

It must be like riding a bike I guess...

LOL! Exactly. These days I ride bikes and tie flies much, much more slowly than when I was a kid. ;)

Quote:

Next time you need head cement and don't need to go to a fly shop, give Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails a try. You can get that at Wally World or your local drug store.

Y'know, I even have a bottle of that stuff upstairs and I didn't think of it. I play guitar, and I use Sally's goop to harden the fingernails I pick with.

mcnerney

06-16-2013 09:46 AM

Re: Two decades later,...

1/2: Very nice work! I too hope you have success with the new flies, best of luck and most of all have fun!

half fast

06-16-2013 07:10 PM

Re: Two decades later,...

Glad you guys liked the flies, but the fish didn't. Or at least I failed to show them to the fish. Didn't get a single strike at Ft. Desoto today. No one else I spoke with was doing any good either, so I don't think it was entirely the fault of the flies. Wrong place, wrong tide, I guess.